NETS Basketball Celebrates
Black History Month, Presented by Amtrak In Association with McDonalds
February 2, 2010

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J.—The NETS are celebrating Black History Month presented by Amtrak, in association with McDonalds, with several initiatives throughout February.

The NETS and Amtrak tipped off the program with a t-shirt design contest, in which local high school students were asked to create a design that reflected past, present, and future contributions of African-Americans to the railroad system. The top design, as chosen by NETS players and Amtrak representatives, will be featured on a t-shirt given to select fans at every home game during February.

All of the designs will be on display at the IZOD CENTER concourse before the NETS host the Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday, February 23. The young artists will also be honored on court during halftime activities.

During February, www.njnets.com will feature bios for each of the Black History Month Hometown Heroes. The NETS will honor “Ordinary People Doing Extraordinary Things” throughout the month.

“In partnership with the NETS, we are thrilled to honor the legacy of African-Americans who played such a vital role in the development of passenger railroads in the United States,” said Lorraine Green, Amtrak’s Vice President of Human Resources and Diversity Initiatives. “Through this partnership, we continue our efforts to educate both young and old about African-Americans in railroad history.”

"We are proud to celebrate Black History Month by giving young people an opportunity to reflect on African-American history and achievement," said NETS player Chris Douglas-Roberts.

“The Nets are honored to join Amtrak and McDonalds in this celebration of Black History Month,” said Nets CEO Brett Yormark. “We appreciate our partners in the program and thank all of the students who are taking part in the events.”

About Amtrak

As the nation’s intercity passenger rail operator, Amtrak connects America in safer, greener and healthier ways. Last fiscal year (FY 2009), the railroad carried 27.2 million passengers, making it the second-best year in the company’s history. With 21,000 route miles in 46 states, the District of Columbia and three Canadian provinces, Amtrak operates more than 300 trains each day—at speeds up to 150 mph—to more than 500 destinations. Amtrak also is the operator of choice for state-supported corridor services in 15 states and for four commuter rail agencies. Visit Amtrak.com or call 800-USA-RAIL for schedules, fares and more information.